How is the recession affecting you? (Discussion Topic)

That's EXACTLY how I am too ... I honestly have no idea what gas prices are these days, nor do I really care! I mean, I'm not going to stop driving, and to drive I need gas ... so off I go. People will ask me what prices are around us, and I honestly have no idea!

Yep. It's funny when we were with some people from Louisiana a few weeks ago they were asking what gas is out here, and I was like "Hmm..maybe $3?" and DH said "It's $3.70!". I felt kind of stupid for not knowing but I guess when it starts to be an extra $5 a gallon or something I'll notice. I'm with you Ann.

I know, I feel a tad stupid ... but I'm also not a very observant person in general. Like I have no idea what a gallon of milk costs, or a loaf of bread, for example.

Gosh me either! And it's not like I'm rolling in dough but you just get what you need and don't notice if it's a few dollars more or less. Now if my favorite beer goes up to $40 a case I'll flip out!

good point ... I am more likely to be able to tell you the price of a glass of wine, or pint of beer. eek - not sure that says good things about me! lol

I don't pay attention to the cost of gas, because I agree I can't do anything about it. Well, I pay attention that is high now & I do try to limit my driving or carpool more. But, I don't watch it on a regular basis. I just pump & go.

I have a honda civic so the gas prices don't have a big effect on me. I tend to notice more with the cost of flying. Actually, airfair rose so fast before most of my guests booked their trips to mexico, so we will have a lot less guests at our wedding. It's fine with me though. I didn't want much over 20 people.

I watched the oprah episode that started this topic. I am so glad she is collaborating with Suze & I thought the advice was great. I love what she said to the lady about the possessions not defining you & cars not being an extension of who you are. I think tough times are a good time to evaluate what matters & see the importance of building up an emergency fund.

steve and i live very minimally so it hasn't affected us financially in a negative way. in fact, we both made more this year than past years AND home prices have gone down so we are in a better place as buyers. homes we were looking at last year in the $950,000-1mil range are now in the $850-900k range so we are stoked!

 

but we know we have a baby we need to think of so we are setting aside money for rough times.

I didn't see it but they need to make that mandatory viewing for people in L.A.! There are a lot of wealthy people here, but also so many that aren't but are defined by material things. To see them driving down the street in their Hummers, Mercedes, etc. you would think they are doing well but follow them home and you'd be surprised...lol

Bless her heart, I have a friend who put $20k down on a $85k Mercedes because she is one of those people...the car is sick but she is constantly falling behind on bills because she doesn't feel right without the pricey shoes, purses, etc. To see her on the street you would think she was quite well-off. I call it caviar taste with peanut butter money....lol

I love where I live. I toyota prius is a status symbol. I'm proud of my 1999 honda civic with broken windows. I have to open my door each morning to get into my parking garage. But, my technique is so good. I put the card in the swipy thing & slowly let off the gas

Oprah said something about a car not being an extension of you, it's just transportation. I totally agree. Nothing wrong with a nice car if you can afford it & want something comfortable to drive. I feel like if someone is buying it for themselves thats fine. But, buying it to impress others just leads to trouble.

I agree Morgan (and you crack me up by the way!). I think nice cars/stuff are fine if it's for you and within your means, like you said, but so many people here do it for the status and that's icky